As I have watched the last couple of days unfold after the attacks in San Bernardino I sit and reflect on growing up in Redlands.

I pray for all the families who lost their loved ones as well as each and every person who was wounded and affected by this tragedy.

As I read a cool article this week about growing up in Redlands it hit home. Yes I live in Las Vegas and my family all moved to Vegas to be close to me and my family but I am still a Redlands kid.

Lots of us grew up and left Redlands, and yes some returned — even I did for a couple years. It was my home and always will be.

I was raised to not forget where you come from.

I haven’t forgotten, and not just because of this attack.

When I am asked where I am from I proudly say Redlands — with the response of “Wheres that?” Now everyone knows, unfortunately for the wrong reason.

I am affected by the attacks. I was born and raised in Redlands. We grew up always knowing Redlands was safe. Nothing like the attacks were ever supposed to be that close to home or have people we know be hurt or lose their life in such a manner. We wouldn’t think Redlands would have people in the community who could do such things.

Redlands the sleepy little town we all called Deadlands as kids is on the map now for the wrong reasons. We are world news now for the wrong reasons all because of two people.

As a native Redlands kid I’d like Deadlands back, no world news or media intrusion on the city. But our times have changed. Our culture has changed everywhere. For my friends and their families I wish none of this happened. My heart breaks for all in Redlands and San Bernardino.

Redlands is a strong community of great people who will watch out for one another.

Redlands will bounce back because of the strong great people that live there.

All our law enforcement that would get such a hard time as we were kids should be praised. Feel blessed they will protect our home and help it bounce back. Look out for each other; watch over our childhood home. Don’t let this attack define our home or where we are from and the people in it. There’s good people in Redlands.

Be proud to be from a small community when asked where you’re from. I know I am. Way before all of this attention and even though I will probably never live in Redlands again I am proud to be a Redlands kid. I made great friends there, was married to my wife there, grew up there.